A Night of Stars and Celebration: Youth America Grand Prix Marks 25 Years with Historic Gala

The Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), the world’s premier network for dance, commemorated its 25th anniversary with a spectacular gala at New York City’s Lincoln Center. The “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow” event showcased a mesmerizing blend of talent and philanthropy, highlighting the significant impact of YAGP on the global dance community.

In a landmark announcement, YAGP unveiled the Marcella Hymowitz Creative Fellowship, endowed with $1 million by the Hymowitz Family Foundation. This fund, named to honor the advocacy efforts of YAGP’s Creative Chair, Marcella Hymowitz, aims to support innovative dance creations over the next decade. The surprise endowment was revealed by Julie Kent, a luminary in ballet and Co-Artistic Director at Houston Ballet, underscoring the evening’s theme of forward-thinking artistic support.

Further cementing its esteemed position, YAGP was officially designated as the National Youth Dance Competition of the U.S., following a resolution passed by the U.S. Senate, a testament to its 25 years of dedication to dance and education.

The gala evening opened with the traditional Grand Défilé, featuring hundreds of young dancers arrayed across the stage of the David H. Koch Theater, setting an inspiring tone. This performance was followed by the premiere of two world-class ballet pieces and a live musical accompaniment by pianist Matthew Whitaker, adding to the gala’s exclusivity and artistic breadth.

The black-tie event boasted an impressive roster of guests from the worlds of dance, fashion, film, and literature, including Daniel Craig, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Carolina Herrera, Isabella Boylston, Candace Bushnell, Melanie Hamrick, and many others. Fashion luminaries such as Dennis Basso and Cynthia Rowley, alongside celebrated figures like Rachel Weisz and Christina Lyon, added a touch of glamour to the evening.

Artists and fashion designers created custom pointe shoes – with pearls, rhinestones, feathers, lace – that decorated the promenade during dinner. YAGP’s Pointe Project included Alicia+Olivia, Altuzarra, Aquazzura, Rosie Assoulin, Brian Atwood, Dennis Basso, Fer Da Silva, Dylan’s Candy Bar by Dylan Lauren, Carolina Herrera, KHAITE, Libby Klein, Michael Kors, Adam Lippes, LoveShackFancy, Markarian, Vanessa Noel, Michelle Ochs for Herve Leger, Alejandra Alanso Rojas, The Row, Cynthia Rowley, The Elder Statesman, and Giuseppe Zanotti who designed ballet slippers for auction with the proceeds going directly to benefit the YAGP.

Artist Deanna First, whose colorful ballet drawings covered the invitation, menu, and dance floor installation, did live illustrations on site for patrons and dancers. 

YAGP thanks sponsors 4AM, All Access Event Services, Aphrodise, Canard, Casamigos, Girl & Garden, MyStory Wine, Net-A-Porter, Protos ser Primero, and Wagner Family Wine.